Josephine Haute Couture Jewelry

Josephine Haute Couture Jewelry is a company that's about more
than business but has a purpose. That purpose is to attract and connect
women. According to Marie, owner of Josephine Haute Couture this business
is a ministry that is used to attract women and allow them the opportunity to
share their story.

Marie is the first person to raise her hand in
understanding the need to be able to share their story. She definitely has a
story to tell. What you may not know is that Josephine Haute CoutureJewelry actually began with the divine introduction of two of God's creations. The late Mrs. Josephine' encounter with Miss Marie was not one of chance, but through a family-friend. She was extremely instrumental in shaping the diamond you now see today. A woman of true beauty inside and out, she worshiped God in spirit, in truth, and even through the pain of battling with cancer. Always remaining fashionable savvy, and graciously cloaking herself with the character defining a lady. After Mrs. Josephine's transition, her husband gave Miss Marie the jewelry his wife left behind as a memorial of her elegance and as a reminder of an unforgettable friendship shared. Reminiscence of an eternal connection just as divine as the intro, sparked Miss Marie interest in fine jewelry propelling it from a personal to business level. She started off selling jewelry to co-workers at her 9 to 5, before rapidly expanding, forcing it's metamorphosis into full time entrepreneurship.

What separates Josephine Haute Couture from others, simply put, "beautiful pieces at beautiful prices." The sophisticated unique pieces, characterized by quality, normally purchased in the $30-$40 range may be obtained from Miss Marie at half that price. So you stay pretty and stay away from ugly prices. Smart "is" the new pretty, right ladies? Josephine Haute Couture presents extraordinary pieces of character that not only stand alone but compliment the entire wardrobe, as well as the personality of the woman wearing it. If you think Miss Marie business stops at selling some of the most exquisite jewelry you'll ever find, you thought wrong. Miss Marie uses her successful business as a platform to share her amazing story. In 2012 Miss Marie began to notice symptoms in her body that were very defined. She went to the doctor and was diagnosed with cancer. February the following year she went through Chemotherapy and of course her business took a halt. 2013 proved to be a life changing year as her father who lived with Leukemia for 12 years and suffered from cancer as well passed away. He had been going through Chemotherapy as well but the treatments stopped working for him.

Sadly this is the plight for many African Americans. According to Sisters Network Inc. a national African-American breast cancer survivor-ship organization, "Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among African American women. An estimated 27,060 new cases of breast cancer are expected to occur among African American women in 2013. Among younger women (under age 45), however, the mortality rate of breast cancer is higher in African Americans than in whites."For African American men unfortunately the stats are not so great as well. According to, American Cancer Society, "About 189,910 new cancer cases were expected to be diagnosed among blacks in 2016. The most commonly diagnosed cancers among black men are prostate (31% of all cancers), lung (15%), and colon and rectum (9%)."According to Sisters Network Inc. preventative care starts with reduction of "known risk

factors as much as possible by avoiding weight gain and obesity (for postmenopausal breast cancer), engaging in regular physical activity, and minimizing alcohol intake. Women should consider the increased risk of breast cancer associated with combined estrogen and progesterone menopausal hormone therapy when evaluating treatment options for menopausal symptoms.Throughout all of her ups and downs there have been a few key people that have stuck by her and shown much love and support. Her mother came to her aid during the time she needed her the most--while going through chemo, she cooked and prepared her meals every night, she remembers. Her boyfriend she recognizes has been in the trenches right along side her wrapping packages and setting up tables for her events. Miss Marie remembers a friend of the family prophesying to her during a family function proclaiming that her business would pick up and that she would meet new people and be an inspiration to each of them. From the moment I met Marie I've felt that she is truly a blessing. She handles her business with great class and elegance. Her attention to detail, quality merchandise, friendly customer service, and affordable pricing makes purchasing from her a reward-able experience. One thing I've definitely noticed and admire personally is the appreciation she shows to each and every one of her customers by posting a picture of them on her social media. I love that!If you would like to purchase any of Josephine Haute Couture Fashion Jewelry and Accessories please contact her by going to her website: squareup.com/store/josephineshcjewelry.

If you were to pull up Tameeka Manuel Facebook page her intro reads as follows: "Philanthropist, Author, Actress, and Entrepreneur, but those are not the only titles she holds behind her name domestic violence survivor is another title you can add but it is not what defines her.

This curvy lady is the face of Atlanta's Project Curve Appeal---a membership based movement and sisterhood created to unite, empower, educate, and entertain all classy, confident, curvy girls everywhere-- who is very active in the plus community and her community as well.

In honor of October's recognition of Domestic Violence she'll be debuting in a stage play "I Love You

To Death." In it she plays a character by the name of Monica. Monica suspects that her friend is in an abusive relationship. The play debuted October 2nd. I asked Tameeka how it felt to play the role of Monica and this is what she had to say, "Monica is the friend that we should all have. Monica is the friend that will not sit back and allow anyone to steal her voice." She admits that when she spoke her lines, " I was praying that I could reach someone in the audience who may have been in an abusive relationship. I prayed that my words would resonate with them and inspire them to seek help and/or make a change." She went on to say that, "being in the production made me feel like I had a voice."

Unfortunately, not all domestic violence victims have a Monica in their corner. And sometimes the signs are hard to see. A lot of times people are in abusive relationships and their closest friends and families don't even know it. Victims become experts in hiding bruises and making excuses for their abusers.

When I spoke with Tameeka about the play it really hit close to home for me having been in a relationship with someone that was verbally and physically abusive towards me. Talking with her brought back all of those memories (thank God that they're just memories now) but sadly for a lot of women being in an abusive relationship is very much a reality.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, "On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. During one year, this equates to more than 10 million women and men."

Tameeka wrote about her personal experience with domestic violence in a book titled "Wounds to Wisdom...The Survivor Series." She joined 11 other survivors in a collaborative work to share their stories in an effort of bringing hope to other victims. "One interesting moment that I had when I was writing the book was the moment I sat back and actually read the final version before print, I was in awe. I was so proud of myself and the fact that I actually followed through with my plans to tell my story. Once I received a hard copy in my hand, a feeling of triumph came over me. It was always one of my dreams of mine to become a published author. To actually have a book in my hands with my name, my photo and my story let me know that as long as you put in the work--dreams do come true."

"Our book launch in Georgia was nothing less than amazing. However, I have to say that the most interesting moment was to actually meet some of my co-author's at the book launch and during the book tour. It was a pleasure to be in the presence of such an inspiring group of people. In the book, we discuss the signs of a toxic relationship, the various forms of abuse, we discuss the importance of having a survival plan, affirmations or peace and we each discuss how we moved forward as survivors."

I used to wonder why someone would stay in an abusive relationship. I remember watching a movie on the Lifetime channel not really understanding how or why a woman would cover up her scars, lie to her family and friends and be so scared of her abuser. I just didn't get it. I thought to myself that, that would never be me, until it was me. And the crazy thing was, I didn't really realize that I was in an abusive relationship until the police was involved and I was basically fleeing from my own home scared to live there. I remember speaking with a victim advocate person, I don't remember her name but she was very kind and understanding. She starting telling me all of the things I already knew but had somehow forgotten. Things such as, I didn't have to stay. I didn't have to return. I had options. But for some reason I forgot that. I forgot that I was a human being who deserved to be treated like one.

I applaud Mrs. Manuel for her personal efforts in spreading awareness for domestic violence. A lot of people feel like you have to be apart of so many charities, donate, and do all of these drastic things. Sometimes just simply sharing your story is enough to change someone's life.

Friday, September 23, 2016

If you missed the very first BBW In The Room event hosted by LaQuinta Davis and Diva Big--you missed an experience. This event was held on Friday September 18th in Jacksonville Florida at the Comedy Club of Jacksonville to a sold out crowd. The event was long awaited and anticipated by many BBWs and their admirers who showed up in droves to enjoy a night of festive events.

Let me just say this...this event gave me life!!! It's been too long since I've been to an event that celebrated the PHATABULOUS woman the way she truly deserves to be celebrated. The air in the room was thick with anticipation for what the night would bring and it did not disappoint There wasn't an empty seat in the building and when the DJ started blasting fan favorites the BBW's in the room could not wait to get up and strut their stuff.Oh, you thought I was talking about the ladies in the show...Nope! I'm talking about the audience. These BBW's were so fired up and excited every chance they got they were up out of their seats and enjoying themselves with so much freedom it was magnetic.

Body Tape Artist Jarvis Evans presented his work with featured model "Spider." Spider modeled for about four years but this was her first event doing the body tape art. She's done body paint art before but this was definitely a whole new level. She admits to feeling nervous right before she walked out but once she stepped out she felt the audience embrace her. She now feels more confident in her own skin and ready to take her career to a whole new level.

Host
Money Moanie
Moe
w/ model

Body Paint Artist Whitney Myers Artsy Faces--opened 8 years ago and she started as children's entertainment face painting. It has slowly graduated to more and more features. The company started out face painting which has transcended into an art form of body painting on a level not previously seen until tonight. The company now provides "Painting with a twist". Whitney was more than happy to step up to the plate when LaQuinta contacted her and told her about her vision for "BBW in the Room".

Whitney interviewed each model before she began painting and as their conversation developed she let that be the inspiration for what designs they would display during the show.

Face of BBW in the Room
Nicole Phelps

Nicole Phelps the face of "BBW In the Room" was a featured body art model and although this was her first time walking down a runway surprisingly, she did it with nothing but paint on. She describes the experience as "different." She admits that having the other ladies to lean on for support helped her to find the strength she needed to take that first step out on the runway. Once she did she says it was both exciting and exhilarating at the same time.

Briki 4 President

Briki 4 President sat at the table next to me and I must admit she had a big gurl feeling proud and sexy. All of the body art ladies joined her with a dance routine while she spit the her lyrics.
kept looking over at her. She has a magnetic pull even when she's sitting still. I didn't know it at the time but I found out near the close of the show when she graced the stage to perform her 2016 anthem "Fat Girl Formation."

When we finally got a chance to talk later on she told me about all of the hell she went through to get there all the way from New Orleans. She admits that she cried all morning because everything that could go wrong did, but that same determination that steadied her journey to this stage showed up and brought the house down.

Host
Money
Moanie
Moe

Briki said that her performance at the BBW In The Room event has catapulted her career to the next level. She has several events scheduled for October including a performance at the 2016 "Nola Hip Hop Awards" where she hopes she'll be both a nominee and winner of the especially unique event. Ladies please show your support for this awesome woman. You can find her links at the bottom of this article. Look out for a spot light on Briki 4president coming very soon!

Spoken Word
Performer

The BBW in the Room event didn't just stop with art and music. There were two very funny comedians that graced the stage, including Terry Harris and Timothy V. They both came in and did their thang! They had the entire room BOL! I'm going to have to check Timmy V out when he comes here to Tampa with Comedian "Sommore" on October 8th.

This event was so jammed packed I wasn't even able to interview everyone. I greatly enjoyed the spoken word, poetry, the live performances by Angela Robert's, Shikenah and #LOUD. T-Rone graced us with his presence. It's always good to see local celebrities that have made a name for themselves show support.

BBW in the Room
Model
Monique Coles

Another highlight of the evening that I cannot forget to mention was Josephine's Couture Jewlery. Miss Marie is the founder of Josephine Haute Couture Jewelry which she started in 2012. Her business is named after her spiritual spiritual mother who passed away of cancer. Miss Marie used her jewelry to style each of the models, the host and LaQuinta herself. She walked the runway holding a picture of her spiritual mother along with the other models who also held pictures of loved ones they've lost to cancer. Miss Marie also has an amazing story of overcoming and accomplishment. Look out for a feature on her, in the near future. Coming Soon.

At the close of the show, the lady of the hour LaQuinta Davis,

BBW in the Room
Creator
LaQuinta Davis

founder of DIVA BIGG and the "BBW In the Room" event, makes her appearance in a stunning all black and sexy fit. She graces the mic with a simple thank you to all of the audience members to her sold out show.

The BBW in the Room event was an awesome experience. If you missed it you might want to get on Facebook and like her page so you can get your tickets early for next year's event. You can also keep up with any other shows and events she produces. If you would like to work with LaQuinta Davis & DIVA BIG you can reach out to her @ triestate@comcast.net.

There were so many amazing an beautiful women that participated in the show and I would like to personally thank each and every one of them for your courage and strength. You made a Phatabulous gurl feel so special. I'm pretty sure you made a lot of women in the audience feel loved and that it's okay to embrace who they are...and that's what it's all about!

Monday, September 12, 2016

A night of art, fun, music and a whole lot of sexiness is expected September 16th at Jacksonville, Florida's Comedy Club for the "BBW in the Room" event. Doors will open at 7pm and the show will start promptly at 8:30 pm. If you haven't gotten your tickets for this one of a kind event you still have time. Tickets are on sale at Eventbrite for $15.00 (advance) and $20.00 at the door. And all BBW's are expected to be present and ready to do what we do best---slay! Come on ladies, let's get in formation for our chance to shine!

The "BBW In The Room" event will be filled with entertainment that promotes and celebrates every BBW in the room. This years event will be hosted by "Money Monie Moe" with comedy by BET comedian Terry Harris and Timothy V.

There will be visual stimulation with body tape artist Jarvis Evans. Body paint art by Whitney Myers, and featured artwork by Mokojumbie Designs, Shane Jahi Jadson and Artistically Divine Studios.

Live entertainment by Angela Roberts, Shikenah feat #LOUD. And a special performance by Briki 4 President and Fat Girl Formation. And the DJ Knodat will be in the building as well.

When I first spoke with LaQuinta Davis--creator of this event, I was immediately impressed with her tenacity, passion and guts. She was determined to stand up for what she believed in and that is that there is always a BBW in the room but she is not getting the respect or recognition that she deserves. The "BBW In the Room" event was created so that Jacksonville Florida can see more events that will embrace the everyday woman in the community. "All women should be acknowledged and still feel beautiful as the next woman" says LaQuinta Davis creator of the, "BBW In The Room" event.
LaQuinta Davis hopes that this event will allow women to see that it's okay to be an individual. She wants the fuller woman who have not come out of their shell to feel confident and know that it's okay to be who you are. They don't have to be overly dressed and layered or have surgery.

BBW In The Room began as a play on words. We've all heard the phrase "elephant in the room" but its not what you think. LaQuinta looks at it this way: She believes that every flyy event always had a slew of bad "BBW in the Room" but they never get the recognition they deserve. This event will pay homage to that woman.

Nicole Phelps is to be the face of this years "BBW In The Room." In our interview she stated that this all happened by accident. The promoter of the event brought it to her attention. Although she has never modeled before she decided to sign-up and come to the casting call. Phelps admits that she's usually behind the scenes but the "sisterhood" atmosphere drew her in. She says that there wasn't any of the usual competition that is normally found among women in these settings.

So, what did it take to win the award of face of the event? There was a dance routine, ticket sales and sponsorship that was considered but mostly someones work ethic. Of course, finding out she'd won the competition she was shocked and amazed. She admits to being the team grunt but some how she'd always end up in the front. The competition has helped her open herself up and step out of her shell. She now realizes that its okay to be in the spotlight. You're not taking anything away from anyone by being in the spotlight.

Nicole can usually be found with her closest friends or family doing arts, listening to music, attending ballets or plays. She loves to watch other people perform. She admit to usually being the clown cracking jokes. She's learned to laugh at her flaws. In the end she realizes that its okay to have flaws.

The BBW In The Room event will be held on September 16 in Jacksonville, Florida at the Comedy Club of Jacksonville. Doors will open at 7 p.m for mixing and mingling and the show will start at 8:30pm. Special thanks goes out to all of the sponsors--Hyatt Place, Avenue, Davis Law Firm, Josephine Haute Couture Jewelry and Accessories, Mokojumbie Design and Artistically Design Studios as well as all participants.

Friday, July 22, 2016

PRESS RELEASE--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

VIRGINIA FULL-FIGURED FASHION WEEK SET FOR OCTOBER 24-OCTOBER 30, 2016

Chesapeake, VA—Virginia is scheduled to host its 4th Annual Virginia Full-Figured Fashion Week October 24- October

30, 2016. The series of events will take place at The Chesapeake Conference Center in Chesapeake, VA.

Virginia Full-Figured Fashion Week is catered to plus-size women, generally ranging in clothing sizes 8-24. The week-
long schedule will consist of an iSlay Model Competition, Make Me Over Monday, The Art of Fashion event, Industry

Networking Mixer & so much more. The finale runway show will be the main event featuring plus-size designers,

models and retail outlets. The Women’s Wellness Fair will also be conducted to provide information about women’s

health, as well as on-site blood pressure screenings.

Full-Figured Fashion Weeks have become increasingly popular due to a demand in the consumer marketplace for trendy

clothing for the modern, curvy woman. According to PLUS Model Magazine, roughly 50 percent of women wear a size

14 or larger, but most standard clothing outlets cater to smaller sizes. Additionally, outlets that do offer larger sizes have

traditionally been conservative in style.

Tonia Minor-White, CEO and Founder of Virginia Full-Figured Fashion Week, agrees with this statistic. She planned the

event as a result of her own experiences and difficulty finding fashionable clothes to flatter her figure in retail stores.

“This event is meant to empower a group of people not focused on at all,” she said. “I want to show women that we can

be plus-size, fashionable, have self-esteem and be proud of ourselves.”

Saturday, June 25, 2016

(Jacksonville, Florida)—(September 16, 2016) The BBW in
the Room is an annual event that celebrates women of size. This event will include ground breaking
methods of capturing the beauty of the plus size body. The night will include artwork that captures
the essence of the everyday woman at her best and poetry that defines the
features of her beauty.

The featured band
of the evening is LOUD accompanied by Brittany Wescott and Angela Robert, two
amazingly talented and beautiful full-figured women. There will be models hand painted by Whitney
Myers and Jarvis Evans strolling through the space for your visual pleasure and
a DJ during intermission to keep the party going.

The Comedy Club of Jacksonville venue has a full service
bar and food selection for guest to indulge in while they enjoy the entertainment. If this event has not met all of your needs,
we have Terry Harris from BET’s Comic View and Timothy Vasser to tickle your
funny bone.

This event will be
very interactive for the audience and the night will be full of mouth dropping surprises.
The BBW in the Room is a true
opportunity for people of size and those that love them to mingle and
experience the redefinition of perfection.

Thursday, June 9, 2016

Lead by example! There is nothing more important then practicing what you preach. When people see me believing in myself, displaying confidence, & embracing who I am through loving myself & following my dreams, they tend to be inspired. They feel that if I can do it then they can too. I have had multiple women state that I've inspired them as they watch my journey.

Where do you see the plus size industry in the next 10 years?

In the next 10 years, I see the plus size industry booming. We are already making some noise, but it feels like a movement as we fight to get all brands to embrace & accept us. However, 10 years from now, I can see all brands carrying bigger sizes because we are proving today that the curvy woman wants to look fashionable & will spend money to look that way as well.

What would you tell a young plus size lady struggling with her body image?

There was this young lady that had approached me and said that she wish that she had my confidence because she don't like being the size that she is. I told her not too be so hard on herself. If she doesn't feel comfortable at the size she is in then feel free to work on that. But to me, body image is just that; an image. There isn't a such thing as a perfect one either. We all have flaws. So I suggest focusing more on what you love about yourself. Sometimes we don't give ourselves enough credit.

Please list and elaborate on three additional hobbies that you have.

Besides modeling, I love rapping, writing poetry, and being a Mom/Wife. I consider myself to have a "happy go lucky" spirit. I am just this small town country girl. But when I rap, I come out of my little shell. The Diva emerges lol. I exude all this raw energy and I get a rush from it. As far as my writing abilities, I use that to express myself. It's very therapeutic! I can get things off my chest and/or just create a piece of written art. I've always been a better writer then speaker anyway. Being a wife and mother is the best thing that's ever happened to me. Being able to have a family to love and spend my time with is the most amazing thing. The moments we share together, supporting each other, and just that love and security is enough to fulfill my happiness.

Please nominate at least 3 other plus size women or companies that should be spotlighted.

I am a firm believer of uplifting, supporting, and encouraging each other in the curvy community. I am from Kentucky & sometimes in our area it's easy to be looked over because lack of resources. So I want to bring attention to Nicole Hayden, a designer, pageant queen, & businesswoman. She does a great job staying active in our community and bringing awareness to issues that's very important to her. She truly deserves to be recognized. I also want to acknowledge Cicely Carter, a plus model from Kentucky. She has always been humble, stayed positive, and just set a great example of how a model should carry themselves in the industry. Last but not least, Sharon Edwards. She is not only an event & fashion coordinator to the stars, but also for ITS MY HAIR MAGAZINE. She is a very inspiring influential woman who tremendously gives back to the community. I admire each of these phenomenal three women.

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

PHATABULOUS MAGAZINE

is proud to spotlight:

TORIA LEE

Toria Lee is 32yrs old & resides in Cincinnati, OH. She aspired to become a plus size model in 2006. Her drive and mission to embrace true beauty, present it, and help others has kept her moving forward. She has been a featured published model in several magazines, blogs, and also participated in a host of photoshoots, and runway fashion shows. Toria won the national title of Royal Supreme Queen in 2014 in the Royal Image USA Pageant. She still reigns as the national title holder today. Being a model is not just taking beautiful pictures and walking the runway. It's by being a role model and motivator to others and keeping the Plus Model movement alive. Along with modeling, Toria incorporates volunteering and being a mentor for ladies from pre-teens to adults.

Toria-Freelance Model is available for Fashion, Editorial, Print, Runway & Makeup Modeling. She has enjoyed being involved in fashions in the Cincinnati Fashion industry. She was selected to be a Ohio Kurvy Fashion Model for the 2nd annual Ohio Kurvy Fashion Weekend in April 2016.

About Me

My name is Candace Smith and I am the Creator of Phatabulous Magazine. A magazine dedicated to the plus size woman. Phatabulous Magazine debuted on October 1, 2009 and originated in Jacksonville, Fl. It is currently a digital publication.